An archaeological perspective on rituals and their effects: the fragmentation of artefacts in the extra-urban sanctuary of S. Anna, Agrigento
- The depositions of artefacts and other materials in or on the ground in ancient sanctuaries are traces of rituals that were accomplished there. In the excavations of the extra-urban sanctuary of Akragas in Sicily (S. Anna, Agrigento), among the numerous fragments of terracotta objects, the broken ones – even more than whole artefacts – make it possible to reconstruct the sequence of acts (“gestes”) that led to their deposition. A study of the context and condition of fragments (vessels, statuettes, roof tiles) reveals the importance of “correct” handling during the breaking of these objects, in a way that differed from ancient everyday practices. We argue that these depositions constitute evidence of the expectation that ancient rituals would be effective.
